Chapter 51: HELENA MAKES A MOVE
"She is not who she claims to be. There have been… questions raised regarding her identity, her history, and her motives. It has come to our attention that Ms. Verma is in fact Sonia Iris, formerly a student of Crestwood High, who supposedly died ten years ago in an accident, and the state conducted a funeral. Before her death, she was supposed to represent the state in an international competition. So, tell me how a dead girl, buried by the state is alive, well, and now the founder, and CEO of Veritas global?” she asked in an emotional voice, that evoked emotions in the journalist present, and online viewers.
Gasps echoed in the press room. Phones clicked. Cameras focused. Ricky’s eyes, cold and precise, scanned the crowd. Tessa sat beside him, looking solemn, a perfect picture of grief by the family as if to reiterate their emotions.
“She has returned after years abroad under an assumed identity, allegedly to secure business contracts here in the United States. While Ms. Verma may appear to be a respected entrepreneur, it is imperative for investors, clients, and the public to know the history and intentions behind her actions. And the foul play that might be a driving force.”
"We do not come this day to defame her or anything of the sort, actually, we are here for quite the opposite. We are here because we are concerned for public safety. We cannot imagine what will happen when they are done dismantling the Mendez Group, who will be the next company they go after? She asked, and paused for a few seconds for added effect.
"This foreign company is trying to destroy home based companies. So we beg of you help us! Fight them with us! A company built by a liar, a fraud, a manipulator, an evader, will most likely be our undoing. This is a call for solidarity." She said solemnly. Eyes red rimmed, gaze intreating and steadily gazing at the cameras.
The room erupted in questions. “Is this true, Mr. Mendez?” shouted a reporter as he turned to where Ricky sat.
“If yes, was it concealed?” He asked.
Ricky’s jaw tightened. “We believe the public has a right to transparency. This is not about personal vendetta—it is about corporate responsibility. Veritas cannot be trusted to operate independently until her history is fully investigated.”
Sonia watched the press coverage with a measured calm. Each headline spun, each social media thread ignited—but she had anticipated every possible twist. But she had to give it to Helena, she can spin a tale! Even she was moved, and would have wanted justice or something, except that she knew the truth.
Her legal team was already filing counterclaims for defamation and financial sabotage. Every journalist who reported inaccurately would face irrefutable evidence proving her integrity.
Lara leaned against the desk, impressed but uneasy. “Wow, that was surprisingly touching. She almost made me hate you and I am your best friend,” Lara said awkwardly, it goes without saying that Helana was a dangerous opponent, and not one to be trifled with if possible.
Sonia’s lips curled faintly. “I am prepared. They can spin more tales, the higher they incite public emotions against me, the harsher their fall will be; because they don’t see me clearly. They see the woman they think I am, not the one I’ve become.”
Marcus interjected. “They’re digging deeper. Richard, Ricky, Helena, Tessa they are getting desperate. The huge downslide of their shares, and stock, has triggered ravenous wolves. They are not stopping. They are sending investigators, private eyes… they’ll find something, maybe even personal details. We need to stay ahead. And after that press conference, the state might get involved, things are not looking promising, if you ask me.”
Sonia’s eyes hardened. “Let them come. Every move they make will reveal more of their own corruption. By the time they think they’ve cornered me, they’ll be the ones trapped.” Watching the ongoing live broadcast, and imagining how she would soon become public enemy normal one, Sonia was uneasy, but even this was a required step in her plans.
Greg’s gut churned as the press storm grew. He knew Sonia was ready for this, but even the best strategy couldn’t guard against every emotional attack, every personal sting Ricky could land. Ricky had always been a soft spot for her that she herself probably have not yet realized.
“She’s strong,” Marcus said softly, as he reported to Greg over the phone as usual, “but even she has limits. Public opinion can be brutal, and I fear that she might not be as prepared as she thinks she is..”
Greg clenched his fists. She doesn’t deserve to be dragged into this—again. Not after everything. Not again.
He scanned the city streets below, knowing the war had officially entered the public arena. Every headline, every tweet, every news clip was another weapon in a battle that was no longer just about business—it was personal.
“And Sonia… my Sonia… is standing in the middle of it, ready to fight, I will be here to watch her six, always.